Singapore is a huge tourist and business destination. As both play two of the largest roles in the Singaporean economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane. Singapore is a very clean, safe and efficient city due to the strictly enforced laws. There are several things a visitor must not do, to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay. Just a few pointers to keep you ahead.
1. Muslims will not shake hands with the opposite sex.
2. Do not initiate a handshake with a woman if you're a man.
3. Overt public shows of affection should be avoided.
4. Don't touch opposite sex as it may not be received in a good light.
5. Don't point with your finger this is considered rude and you may use entire hand with the palm to draw attention.
6. Do not touch someone’s head.
7. Don’t point the soles of your feet towards someone.
8. Don’t wear revealing sun tops and shorts in places of worship.
9. Please note that shoes are not to be worn in temples and mosques.
10. Don’t take pictures of people, mosques or temples without permission.
11. Don’t enter a Singaporean's house with your shoes on.
12. Do not eat or offer anything with your left hand when with Muslims.
13. Don’t use your left hand when shaking hands with a Muslim.
14. Gifting taboos for Hindu's / Indians, are leather goods, avoid them to be sure.
15. Do not give alcoholic presents to Muslim's / Malay.
16. Chinese will have little problems with most things but some groups do not appreciate numbers like 4, as the number 4, in mandarin, has the same pronunciation as "death".
17. Do not present a clock as a gift to a Chinese. Because clock has the same pronunciation as "funeral".
18. Don’t give cutting utensils like knives or scissors to anyone. They represent the desire to severe relations.
19. No flowers as gifts as they represent illness or death.
20. If you are the host, bear in mind that Muslims do not eat pork and, if they are devout, the restaurant needs to be Halal.
21. Hindus do not eat beef.
22. Do not finish everything on your plate. It indicates that you are done.
23. Laws relating to littering are strictly enforced in urban areas so don't litter while in Singapore. Littering of any kind is subject to up to a S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and, for repeat offenders, up to S$2,000 coupled with a stint of corrective work order cleaning a public place.
24. Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.
25. Spitting is also punishable by law in Singapore. So beware the next time you wish to clear your throat.
26. The import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. Chewing gum in Singapore may get you arrested.
27. Do not be tardy for an appointment when on a business trip.
28. Do not give or receive anything with just one hand. Use both.
29. It is considered proper to address by using Mr., Mrs. or Miss and not first names.
30. Safety and security aren’t really an issue, although ‘low crime doesn’t mean no crime’. Don’t tempt pickpockets through carelessness.
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